An Aboriginal leader has described the Federal Government's decision to issue a formal apology to the Stolen Generations as "monumental".

Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin says Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson has now been briefed on the plans for the apology, which will be delivered on February 13, one day after the opening of the new parliamentary term.

Reconciliation Australia co-chairman Mick Dodson has welcomed the decision to issue the apology.

"I think this is monumental. It is something people have waited for, for a very long time," he said.

"It's hugely important to us as nation and to members of the Stolen Generations."

'Massive step'

Former national ALP president Warren Mundine says the Federal Government has taken a "massive step forward" by deciding to issue an apology.

Mr Mundine says it will help the nation come together and further the healing process

"In regards to the politics of it all, I think it's really going to set the tone for the incoming Rudd Labor Government," he said.

"It's the first sitting of Parliament and it's really going to set the tone for the next three years of this Government and how Australia acts and what it does. To me it's a massive step forward for us."

Mr Mundine also says it would be wrong for the Federal Opposition not to support the apology.

"I think it'd be a very silly step by the Coalition and the Opposition to do that," he said.

"They only have to look at their own track record at state and territory levels.

"All the Coalition governments and oppositions have gone along with the apology and have all accepted saying sorry to Aboriginal people.

"They've done it at the state government levels and they've done it at local government levels."

Nelson briefed

Dr Nelson earlier said he wanted to see the text of the apology to be delivered before giving it his approval.

Ms Macklin says Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will meet with Dr Nelson again next week to discuss the text of apology.

But she says every parliamentarian should be giving the move their in-principle support.

"To make it truly a moment of national significance, if people across the Parliament can support this apology it really will carry that extra weight to enable the country to move forward."

But Dr Nelson has rejected suggestions his party will be hurt if it does not support the apology.

"We are yet to see it and I think it's important for Mr Rudd to make the wording available to all Australians as soon as he feels comfortable to do so."

Health, education gaps

Ms Macklin says the latest figures on Indigenous health and education outcomes show the need for an apology.

The latest report from the Productivity Commission found the mortality rate for Indigenous people is twice as high as the general population, and showed a dramatic gap in literacy and numeracy standards.

Ms Macklin says the Commission's figures are a reminder of the improvements that are needed in health, education and housing.

"All of these areas will need our concerted effort, and we know that's the task before us," she said.

"But we want to begin by joining together across the Parliament, with Indigenous people, to recognise what happened in the past so we can address these very serious issues."